Government of the Student Body senators voted Wednesday night against debating a resolution written to show support for members of The September 29th Movement sanctioned by the university.

On a vote of 7-17, GSB senators turned down a motion to waive the second reading of a resolution called “Free Speech and Fair Punishment.” If the Senate had approved the motion, the resolution would have been debated and voted on at the meeting.

Most resolutions are introduced one week before a vote is taken. Resolutions are only voted on the same week they are introduced if the second reading is waived or if GSB President Adam Gold declares them “emergency legislation.”

Still, there was an informal discussion and a question-and-answer period.

Rob Ruminski, LAS, wrote the resolution. He wanted the second reading waived. “The reason I am moving to do this, is because these students have appeals binding. If GSB wants to do this they have to act quickly,” Ruminski said, “so the people will know that these students have backing from GSB.”

Ruminski said the resolution is about student rights, not the “Catt Hall issue.”

Another resolution, called “Student Rights,” wasn’t discussed. It also dealt with the sanctions against Movement members. It’s author, Senate Vice Chairman Jamey Hansen, wasn’t present.

According to Hansen’s resolution, the student body reserves the right to “choose its officers and representatives under its own standards.” Hansen said earlier Wednesday that it is the duty of the Senate to represent and protect students’ rights.

Two senators — Milton McGriff, nontraditional, and Allan Nosworthy, graduate — will be removed as senators if their Office of Judicial Affairs sanctions are not overturned or lessened by the All-University Judiciary.

McGriff said physical force will have to be used to remove him from his seat.

McGriff and Nosworthy were given conduct probation for their parts in an unauthorized Nov. 5 town meeting in Beardshear Hall. Conduct probation prohibits students from holding leadership positions in university-recognized organizations.

“The university can do what it wants by conduct, but the student government is the only one that has the right to elect and remove,” Hansen said before the meeting. “It’s in the Constitution.”

Hansen said he hopes the resolutions pass next week despite Gold’s opposition. “It’s the responsibility of GSB to respect these rights,” he said.

Carolyn Jones, GSB vice president and chairwoman of the Senate, said she thinks the resolutions bring “appropriate” issues to the Senate.

“I think if we are a governing body, we make recommendations to the university. If there is a group of students that feels this is not right,” Jones said, “then I think it is appropriate for the Senate floor.”

Arthur Green, USAC, wasn’t hopeful about the chances of Ruminski’s resolution passing.

“I don’t think the resolution is going to pass,” Green said. “Most of the students don’t want it to pass because they believe they [Movement members] got what they deserved. They look at it as a bunch of students causing a big uproar for nothing.”

Mike Pogge, LAS, said he also thinks the resolution is appropriate. “I do believe the members of an organization should be held accountable to a certain degree,” he said. “If it would have been a more fair hearing I could understand their removal, but it should have been up to the Senate, not the university. I think Milton and Allan should keep their seats.”

Some senators were undecided.

Mark Nimmer, off-campus, said he couldn’t come to a decision about the resolution until he’s read it thoroughly.

Both resolutions will be voted on at next Wednesday’s meeting.